Police confirm release of abducted farmer
Kayode Ajayi, a 60-year-old farmer who was abducted from his farm in the Laluba area of Asa Local Government Area in Kwara State last Monday, has been successfully released.
The Kwara State police spokesman, Ajayi Okasanmi, confirmed this development to City & Crime on Sunday.
He stated that “the farmer has been freed after the kidnappers initially released his daughter. The kidnappers yielded to the pressure from our operatives. However, no arrests have been made yet, as we are still actively pursuing the kidnappers.”
In a concerning turn of events, a relative and neighbor of the victim, who requested anonymity, revealed that Ajayi’s release came at a high cost. Reportedly, a ransom of N2 million was paid for his freedom.
The anonymous source explained, “During our telephone discussion with him, he said the abductors initially demanded the sum of N7 million, threatening harm if the amount was not paid. While we were still negotiating with them to reduce the ransom, one of the abductors forcibly took the phone from him and insisted that the family raise the money promptly, or else he would face dire consequences.”
Ultimately, the abductors agreed to accept N2 million as ransom.
Ajayi was released to his family around 10 pm on Thursday in a remote area near Amoyo village in Ifelodun Local Government Area.
Due to the trauma he endured during his captivity, Ajayi is currently receiving medical attention at a private hospital in Ilorin.
